It’s Valentine’s Day and you indulge in a decadent, dark chocolate bar. You try not to think about the effect your treat will have on your waistline or your pearly whites.
But is chocolate really bad for your teeth?
You’ll be surprised to find out that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate actually brings several positive health benefits.
Milk chocolate versus dark chocolate
When it comes to your teeth, dark chocolate is a much better choice. Milk chocolate contains more sugar than raw, unprocessed chocolate. This higher sugar content can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Dark chocolate, on the other hand, can actually help you fight cavities. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, which help fight bacteria and prevent sugars from converting into acids. Acid can wear away at your tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.
Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, which help protect against tooth decay.
Other health benefits of chocolate
Chocolate can make you smarter! Recent studies have revealed that chocolate can improve brain functioning. Habitual chocolate consumption is associated with higher cognitive performance, including abstract reasoning and memory.
Additionally, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants which help prevent cancer and improve your overall health. With regards to your oral health, having more antioxidants in your saliva can help fight gum disease.
How to prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth, which turns sugars into acids. These acids break down the enamel of your teeth, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.
To prevent tooth decay, reduce your sugar consumption, brush and floss daily, and make sure to schedule regular visits to the dentist.
Make an appointment
For more tips about improving your oral health and for quality care by an expert dental staff, reach out today. Call us to schedule an appointment, or just fill out the contact form and press Send.
And don’t feel guilty about indulging in an occasional chocolate bar. Your teeth may even thank you!